You are my Son; this day I have begotten you. — Psalm 2:7 

Mass readings: Acts 13:26-33 / John 14:1-6 

Saints Among Us 

Perhaps it’s the commonality of saints that compels us. It is difficult to relate to St. Joseph as Jesus’ foster father, but easy to empathize with carpenter Joseph hitting his thumb with a hammer. It’s difficult to relate to St. Peter as the first pope, but easy to empathize with Peter the friend who weeps with guilt after his denial of Jesus.  

St. Bernardine of Siena is the patron of advertisers and public relations persons because of his ability to promote Jesus’ message throughout fifteenth-century Italy. Bernardine was noted for his friendliness and patience; in today’s parlance, we might term him a consummate salesman, a schmoozer. (He preached so convincingly that gamblers threw their cards and dice into a bonfire.) What common skill can you employ today to foster the Kingdom?

Prayer: St. Bernardine, help us use our words and deeds to draw others to Jesus.